Category: Latest News

50 years in business is no small feat! Massaro Motors recently celebrated this impressive milestone – and they’ve been operating in the same location since the beginning! 

Massaro Motors is owned by Ray Massaro, a generous community-minded person who has proudly served generations of families in Latrobe City and beyond. 

Over the years in business, Massaro Motors has had branches in Traralgon, Moe and Mirboo North, but has kept its home in Morwell, with Ray finding it the most central location for their customers. 

“The business is about people first. As you walk in the door you’re greeted by a receptionist, and we have a customer lounge and coffee machine in each of our showrooms. A lot of places you go today no one comes out and talks to you and you don’t know where to go,” said Ray. 

Massaro Motors is proud to offer friendly customer service for all your machinery and equipment needs, including sales, service and finance. They are Latrobe City’s premier dealer for an extensive range of Kubota tractors and machinery, Krone hay equipment and many more brands. 

“All our customers are real, local people. If you go through the records here, we’ve dealt with five generations of the same family. When I started in ’73, I sold to my parents and grandparents, and now people the same age as my kids and grandkids.” 

Ray started out his career as an apprentice motor mechanic, and through further night school and private study he became a Service Manager at just 23-years-old at Travalley Motors Chrysler in Morwell, looking after a team of mechanics. So, you could say that he is a natural leader.  

Ray is proud of his nearly 50 staff members. Kim who works in administration has been working for the business for 25 years! Ray’s son, Luke also joined the business as a trainee 22 years ago, working in all departments and now as the General Manager. At the time of peak employment, Massaro Motors had up to 50 local, loyal employees. 

“I love people – if I don’t come to work, I miss walking around and saying hello to the staff. I walk around in the morning and say g’day to everyone – I call it MBWA – Management by Walking Around. I have my first cup of coffee with the first customer who will have one with me.” 

Ray purchased the property where Massaro Motors is located in August 1973. What was once a site containing a derelict roadhouse and house with no windows, became their first home. Their first two children were born at the current site, and they went on to have six kids all which Ray is very proud of.

Visit Massaro Motors, browse their impressive range of machinery and if you run into Ray, be sure to have a chat and a Frangelico-laced coffee!  

Massaro Motors 
497 Princes Drive, Morwell   
5134 1422  

Read the latest edition of Connections here

Elite Dancewear 

A new boutique dancewear store in Morwell is bringing style and convenience to local dancers, thanks to one mum’s passion and a simple suggestion from a dance teacher. 

Launched in mid-March this year, the store has been an exciting addition to the local dance scene – offering everything a dancer needs, all in one place! They stock all the essentials, including ballet flats, jazz shoes, tap shoes, tights, activewear, costumes, hair and shoe accessories. 

Open Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday mornings from 9am to 12pm, the shop fills a much-needed gap for local dancers, saving families the trip to Melbourne for specialised gear. 

Owner Justine Scandrett shared that her daughter’s involvement in dance has helped her build strong local connections. “I’m lucky. My daughter is a dancer, and she is at one of the dance schools here in Morwell. I just love when the dancers come in and they’re super excited and tell me all about their upcoming performances.” 

Community and sustainability sit at the heart of Justine’s business. She proudly sponsored local dance competitions and supported productions like The Little Mermaid by Gippsland Youth Theatre. The store also champions eco-conscious choices, stocking Melbourne-made brand Energetiks – known for its high-quality activewear made from recycled plastics. 

Whether you’re after a first pair of tights or gearing up for a big stage show, this local business is stepping up to support the region’s vibrant performing arts community and making dance dreams come true for every customer. 
 
Elite Dancewear 
213 Commercial Road, Morwell 
elite.dancewear@outlook.com 
@elitedancewear213 

Moe Thai

Moe has welcomed its very first Thai restaurant – an authentic addition that’s already delighting locals with its vibrant dishes and warm hospitality. 

Run by three passionate co-owners and chefs – Usanee (U-Sa) Bowornratanakhun, Pawantree Laothong (Kae), and Rattana Sawangdao (May) – the restaurant is the second venture for the team, who also run the popular Thai @Sale in the Wellington region. 

The team chose Moe for their latest location because of the welcoming community and the sense of opportunity the growing town offers. 

“When searching for a location, we discovered Moe is the best place – everyone here is really nice and there wasn’t another Thai restaurant to compete with, so it felt like the perfect fit,” shares U-Sa. 

Since opening just before Christmas last year, the restaurant has received overwhelming support from locals and raving reviews online. With a 4.8-star rating on Google, it’s clear the community has embraced this cuisine. 

“Wow. What an amazing new gem in Moe. The staff are fantastic!” one reviewer wrote. 

“At first, we were a bit worried – would people like it? But everyone has been so supportive. We’ve had so many compliments – it makes us really happy,” says U-Sa proudly. 

The menu offers Thai classics like Pad Thai and Tom Yum, alongside creative dishes such as coconut prawns and fragrant curries. The best bit? Everything is made fresh to order.  

“We cook everything fresh when the customer orders. We also cater to dietary needs, with gluten-free and dairy-free options available, and offer special banquet-style dishes for larger groups.” 

Open for dinner from 5 –9pm daily except Tuesdays, the restaurant promises a welcoming experience for all. 

As Moe continues to grow, this new restaurant brings a fresh experience to town – offering a taste of Thailand right on the main street. 

Moe Thai Restaurant 
38 George Street, Moe 
(03) 5126 1717 

Places Bar and Tapas  

Inspired by a love of travel and European food and wine, Places Bar and Tapas is a stylish yet intimate venue that offers the perfect setting for a date night, dinner or celebration.  

The hole-in-the-wall bar is in the Traralgon CBD, offering European influenced cocktails, wine and tapas. 

“We offer a beautiful venue with delicious drinks and snacks with a personable service. But be sure to keep an eye out for different experiences we are going to offer,” says owner Jenni Onkamo. 

“So far, the highlight without a doubt is getting to contribute to people’s special occasions and celebrations, big or small,” said Jenni, who brings years of hospitality experience – and a genuine passion for food, drinks and vibrant venues – to the table. 

Looking ahead, Jenni says, “what you see now is only the beginning. We have many ideas for sweeteners we’re going to add to improve the experience even more.” 

With a focus on service and a welcoming atmosphere, Places is quickly becoming a local favourite. “The people are the best thing about running a business in Latrobe City,” Jenni adds. “Locals, passers-by, business travellers or visitors, everyone has a story and we love to hear them.” 

Open Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm to late and Friday and Saturday from 3pm, Places invites locals and visitors alike to unwind and enjoy something a little different in Latrobe City. 

Drop in and discover your new favourite place! 

Read the latest edition of Connections here

What began as a personal quest to support her mother’s health has become one of Gippsland’s most inspiring wellness businesses. For Casey Bird, founder of Studio Seventy Two in Traralgon, wellness is not a trend – it’s a lifelong commitment. 

Casey’s journey began in 2015, when her mum faced health challenges and they discovered the benefits of infrared saunas. “The healing was undeniable, and I knew Gippsland needed access to this kind of wellness,” shares Casey. 

That vision came to life in 2020, when she transformed part of her family home into a humble infrared sauna studio during the height of a global pandemic. 

Fast forward to today, Studio Seventy Two has expanded to a larger space on Dunbar Road, welcoming over 110 clients weekly and offering a full spectrum of healing experiences, including infrared saunas, red light therapy, magnesium wraps, recovery boots and more. 

Casey’s mission is clear: to make wellness accessible, affordable and truly life changing. 

“I want to open people’s minds to alternative ways of healing and make it so impactful that it creates long-lasting change in their life.”  

While one sauna session can be enough to make a customer obsessed, Casey encourages new clients to start with three sessions to really feel the impact. “With three sessions, you start to notice shifts – in your mood, sleep, recovery. That’s when people realise how powerful it can be.” 

Among the studio’s most popular offerings is her signature magnesium wrap, a deeply therapeutic treatment that combines magnesium oil, an osmotic body wrap and an infrared sauna session. 

“Magnesium is a powerful mineral known to support restful sleep, reduce stress, calm the nervous system and aid digestion,” Casey explains. 

 “This treatment is an incredible way to replenish magnesium levels through the skin. Clients leave feeling lighter, deeply relaxed and often experience reduced muscle tension, less bloating and visible toning results.” 

Studio Seventy Two also prides themselves on offering state-of-the-art infrared technology, using Clearlight Saunas – known for their full-spectrum infrared heat, low EMF and non-toxic materials. 

“We’ve invested in quality, so our clients get the very best,” 

Beyond the services and technology, Casey lives the lifestyle she advocates, prioritising  
self-care and red-light therapy as a non-negotiable part of her own wellness routine. 

“Healing is one of the most powerful forms of self-love – and it’s something I’m passionate about helping others embrace. Once you experience the benefits, it naturally becomes part of your lifestyle,” says Casey. 

Her advice for anyone starting their wellness journey? “Stay open-minded and don’t expect a quick fix. The key to transformation is consistency – that’s when the magic happens.” 

Studio Seventy Two offers a range of introductory packages, flexible memberships and special offers to make wellness more attainable. Visit www.studio72infraredsaunas.com to book your session or follow along on social media for the latest updates. 

Read the latest edition of Connections here

Studio Seventy Two 
54 Dunbar Road, Traralgon 
@studioseventytwo_ 

 

Looking for skin and beauty treatments that combine real results with relaxation? Meet Skin & Tonic – Moe’s first advanced dermal clinic, where science meets self-care. 

Located in a light-filled space on Lloyd Street, Skin & Tonic offers feel-good treatments that deliver glowing results, using cutting-edge industry standards to provide the highest quality of care. From bespoke facials and clinical peels to full-body massages, every treatment is grounded in evidence-based practice and delivered with care. 

The woman behind the magic is Jen Felici, a qualified Dermal Clinician with over 15 years of industry experience. Driven by a genuine passion for the science of skin health and fuelled by a personal journey of resilience, Jen brings both expertise and empathy to her work. 

In 2021, while juggling full-time work, study and raising two young children, Jen’s life was forever changed when she tragically lost her husband in a car accident.  

“I had to quit my job and basically start life from scratch,” shares Jen. 

Despite the grief, Jen found strength in her passion and a renewed purpose to honour her career goals and inspire her children. 

“I was driven to show my kids that no matter what we go through in life, there is always light after darkness, and we have to pave our own way to joy.” 

Jen describes her business as “a rainbow after the storm.” 

“It was the community of Moe who rallied together to care for us, and at this point, I knew I had to give back and breathe some life and light back into our incredible town.” 

With a clear vision to offer safe, ethical and effective skin treatments in what can be an unregulated industry, Jen set out to raise the bar. 

“I wanted to become a trusted person in our community who works in line with the high standards I believe our industry should uphold,” says Jen. 

With quality at the forefront of everything they do, Skin & Tonic’s offerings include clinical facials, acne management, scar revision, massage and a range of beauty treatments. Each service is tailored to address individual concerns such as ageing, rosacea, inflammation, pigmentation and more. 

“All our treatments have an element of wellness, even our most clinical treatments still feel luxurious.” 

If you’re not sure where to start, Jen recommends the Signature Bespoke facial – a popular pick for newcomers or anyone looking to treat themselves without the pressure of choosing. 

Whether you’re after targeted skin solutions, time-out for self-care or just a warm and welcoming experience, Skin & Tonic is setting a new standard for skincare in Latrobe City. 

Follow Skin & Tonic on social media and book your appointment to experience the care, calm, and clinical excellence that’s changing lives! 

Skin and Tonic
23/25 Lloyd St, Moe 
@skinandtonic.gippsland 

Read the latest edition of Connections here

Learn more about what’s been done and what’s ahead as our region transitions to new industry and innovation

Over the past year, Latrobe City has remained steadfast in the shift toward a more sustainable and diverse economy.

It’s no secret that our region has a rich history deeply rooted in traditionalist industries. Our community is part of this history, generating electricity for more
than 100 years for Victoria, which has seen generations of people trained and employed in the energy sector.

As Latrobe City moves away from traditional energy that once underpinned our economy, we remain committed to enabling new energy and innovation. This is why Council is hosting this year’s Gippsland New Energy Conference, where opportunities, challenges and innovations will be explored, to drive the transition
to a cleaner, sustainable future for generations to come.

As Victoria’s most heavily impacted and transitioning region, Council acknowledges the transition away from industry is not a straightforward process. We must continue working with the community for an equitable transition.

As Our Transition plan highlights, it’s our priority to move towards a bigger and brighter future for Latrobe City. Together we have worked to accommodate the growth of our City through many projects, initiatives – both led by Council and by the community. This focuses on attracting investment, upskilling to meet needs, skilled workforce promotion, understanding future job opportunities, providing business support, promoting Latrobe City and more.

An equitable transition to a new energy future means no one is left behind and industry diversification, economic growth and skilled employment are supported

Latrobe City is doing its part to move towards Net Zero Emissions. Here are just some of those key projects:

BIOGAS – The Landfill Biogas Renewable Energy Project

Did you know Council has installed a Biogas Generator at Hyland Highway to use harvested methane or ‘biogas’ to generate electricity? Biogas is produced from waste which is captured from wells bored into the landfill. It is then cleared and fed into a gas generator to offset the electricity Council consumes. The generator will produce up to 5400 MWh of electricity per year, increasing until 2032.

GEOTHERMAL – Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre

The Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) is the only public aquatic centre in regional Victoria utilising geothermal technology.GRAC is a world class regional $57 million facility with the ability to host regional, state, national and international events. The pool is heated by deep-bore geothermal technology, which draws geothermal heat from an underground aquifer 600 metres below Traralgon, where groundwater is around 65 degrees Celsius. This saves approximately $639,000 annually and reduces carbon emission of around 840 tonnes

NET ZERO – PV Installations (Solar), LED Lighting and Batteries

Latrobe City Council is working towards net zero energy emissions through the delivery of new energy initiatives, efficiencies, and offsets. Council has completed a major light replacement project, installing over 2,500 high-performing and energy efficient LED streetlights in current lighting infrastructure across the region. Not only does this save ratepayer money and provides better visibility at night, but it also reduces greenhouse gases by 900 tonnes each year.

Solar panels are also currently being installed on major building across Latrobe City. For the current solar project, 900 kilowatts (kW) of solar panels will produce 1 million kWh of electricity each year. This includes Leisure Centres, GRAC, Moe Outdoor Pool, Churchill Hub and Kernot Hall. Additionally, 400 kW of solar and battery will power Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium, which will increase Council’s solar capacity to nearly 2 MW.

All up, there is about 600 kW of solar powering Latrobe City currently – reducing reliance on overall carbon emissions, directly contributing to
net zero targets.

Net Zero means working towards a state where emissions of greenhouse gases due to human activities, and removals of these gases, are in balance. As a region, we are working towards this. To achieve Net Zero by 2035, Council and community will continue working together. Targets include:

• 3 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2026
• 100% certified renewable energy by 2030
• Electrification of non-aquatic centres by 2030
• Council heavy fleet and machinery transitioned to electric or other clean energy by 2035
• Electrification (or geothermal) of aquatic centres by 2040
• Net zero greenhouse emissions by 2035 with offsets used if required

Achieving net zero emissions is no small feat, but it is achievable. Through Council-led projects and the Our Transition plan, it is a significant shared goal to move forward into a sustainable and economically diverse future, together.

On the surface, Outlook Industries might seem like a bunch of country people tinkering on tools from the farm. Look a little closer, and you’ll find they’re creating some of Australia’s most innovative robots for the Australian army!

Luke Townsend sat down near a rustic brown couch in a warehouse on the main street of Yinnar. A country boy at heart, it’s hard to believe that this family man has travelled to off-beaten countries around the world as an Australian army veteran.

Since then, the last few years, Luke has built Outlook Industries from the ground up. Because Luke and his pals at Outlook Industries, are in fact a diverse bunch of brilliant inventors.

Why not drive past the main street of Yinnar and say hi? Luke’s wife Roxanne Townsend, a formidable woman in her own right, will most likely serve you coffee and have a yarn about this small-town team.

Think Back to the Future but Yinnar, we say. And not everything is all it seems. Over the past few years, the inventors created a brand new on-ground surveillance system for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) called GUS, which stands for Ground Unmanned System.

Look it up because the story hit regional news networks everywhere. What’s happened since then? Luke said, many exciting things.

“Towards the end of last year, there was a bit of a gap between GUS and getting another contract,” Luke said. “You got to pay the guys and girls at the end of the day.”

Good news though! “We had some American investors show interest — spent a week with us — had a look at what we are doing now, hung out in Yinnar and decided to invest,” Luke said.

“They went home [to America] spoke to their investor friends and bought a share in our company, ” Luke gushed. “This has been transformative because now we don’t need to wait for milestone payments to do anything.”

And these investors are big shots too. “My American pal helped me a lot with my anti-poaching work in Africa,” Luke said. Him and his friends — who have been investing and developing in space companies — wanted to be part of our on-ground robotics work here in Yinnar,” Luke said.

Luke commended Council and current Mayor Councillor Darren Howe for the support shown.

“Particularly the Business Development team and particularly the current Mayor has been amazing,” Luke said. “Darren Howe comes and visits anytime we need anything, he supports us.”

And so, another happy story for this group of terrific inventors in Yinnar. On a finishing note, Luke reaffirms country values and teamwork.

“My brothers and I all ended up as problem solvers in our own way. A lot of this has come from growing up isolated on a farm and only having a set number of tools available,” Luke said.

“We’ve had many work experience kids and country kids come through these doors. Particularly coming from a farming background, they will work hard to innovate and solve problems in general!”

Read the June 2024 Connections magazine here.

On the surface, Transcend might seem like a foreign entity from the big city smoke. Look a little deeper, and you’ll find they’re paving the way for sustainable yet practical jobs across Latrobe City and the greater Gippsland region.  

Stu Holmes is part of the Transcend Group. He explains what Transcend is and what it’s about. “The Transcend group consists of several different components, from partnership with large projects such as Snowy Hydro and South East Link,” Stu said.  

“We’re involved with a digital engineering side of things; for the creation of modelling and for the detailing of steel fabrication and prefab which needs to go into those builds. We then manufacture those products and organise for dispatch to various locations within the region, particularly down in Latrobe City and Gippsland.” 

When asked what Transcend means simply to any Latrobe City local down the street, Stu broke it down. “We endeavour to keep jobs local,” Stu said. “Regional jobs are becoming important for many reasons. It’s because your job might be within an hour drive to the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne.” 

“There’s high unemployment within those regions because many infrastructure works are happening out in regional Victoria,” Stu explained. “We need to provide work and employment for people within those regions they reside in.” 

On a finishing note, Stu said: “Transcend endeavours to create pathway opportunities for people from other disenfranchised groups to come down to Latrobe City.” 

Transcend is just one of those innovative companies. 

“It’s really all about sustainability; creating a full wrap around service for local businesses and for the community. This includes businesses that need to potentially look at transitioning to a more diverse workplace culture – or people out of traditional energy – or for changing the climate of work.” 

Read latest edition of Connections here.